Figures indicate that the economy is recovering from its recent

Question

Figures indicate that the economy is recovering from its recent recession.  Over the past three quarters, consumer spending on durable goods has decreased and  spending on non-essential items has increased , which indicates that consumers are no longer worried about simple survival and are once again becoming focused on achieving a level of comfort and luxury.

Which of the following best expresses the role of the two bolded statements in the argument above?
 
(A) The first is a phenomenon the author tries to explain; the second is a secondary conclusion in support of the first.
(B) The first is the position the author argues against; the second the author`s position.
(C) The first is a position the author seeks to undermine; the second is a premise the author uses to indicate a flaw in that position. 
(D) The first is the author's main point; the second is a premise the author uses to support that conclusion.
(E) The first is the author's main conclusion; the second is the primary evidence from which that conclusion is drawn.

Abhishek009 · Answer

1. Last 3 Qrt : Cons Spndng (Dur Goods)↓ & Spending on Durable goods ↑ 
2. Indication : Cons not worried about survival -> focusing on comfort & luxury
3. 1st Bold Part : These figures represents eco. recovering from recession.

First bold part is clearly a Conclusion, options are pretty straightforward , answer must clearly be (E) as the first sentence is the main conclusion and the 22nd bold part is the supporting evidence, used to arrive at that conclusion, hence Answer must be (E)

thelastskybender · Answer

I don't understand how to elminate option D. The first BF is the main point/ conclusion, and the second BF does support the first one. Shouldn't "figures" be the primary evidence instead of 2nd BF from which conclusion is drawn?

innochandan · Answer

Is is about which is more correct answer. Look at the 2nd boldface and following sentence. It uses 'which' specifically to refer to non essential goods and then follows remaining sentence. So the 2nd bf is indeed the primary evidence. 
Hope that helps.

Posted from my mobile device

MartyMurray · Answer

There's no good way. The question doesn't really work because both (D) and (E) are arguably correct.

kienvutrung · Answer

D wrong because of the "premise". The 2nd BF is an evidence, not a premise. This question is quite straightforward and easier than other 655-705 imo

Figures indicate that the economy is recovering from its recent

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions

Figures indicate that the economy is recovering from its recent

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards